U.S. Geological SurveyDepartment of the Interior199810Mount Rushmore National Memorial Vegetation Mapping Project - Accuracy Assessment Pointsdatabase and reportUSGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping ProgramMount Rushmore National MemorialDenver, COUSGS Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informaticshttp://www1.usgs.gov/vip/moru/moruaa.zipUS Dept of InteriorNational Biological Survey (aka National Biological Service)[Now the Biological Resources Division of USGS]and National Park Service199411Field Assessment ProceduresFinal DraftdocumentDenver, COUSGS/BRD/Center for Biological InformaticsReport prepared by the USGS Center for Biological Informatics in cooperation with Environmental Systems Research Institute, 380 New York Street, Redlands, CA.http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/moru/morupirpt.pdfdoi:10.5066/F7HQ3WW2The accuracy assessment field work was performed in July and August, 1996 to verify the accuracy of the vegetation communities spatial data developed by the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The data points were randomly distributed stratified according to vegetation association over the project area according to protocols developed by the Program. Points were located by GPS navigation and the community information was collected at the point, without knowledge of the attributes of the vegetation spatial data. The data points were compared to the attributes of the polygon in which they were contained. Attributes of the polygons or accuracy assessment points that did not match were changed during later analysis due to errors in the AA methodology or map attribution errors. A contingency table was completed from the final dataset.These data were necessary assess the mapping effort in addition to meeting the requirements of the mapping program.All codes used in the digital file are referenced by the look-up table that accompanies this file. The look-up table is called veg.lut. It contains both the common name and latin names of the vegetation types.199607199608Ground ConditionCompleteNone plannedMount Rushmore National Memorial - Black Hills, South Dakota, USA-103.484528-103.42161943.90065443.859228noneNational Park ServiceU.S. Geological ServiceCenter for Biological Informaticsland covervegetationallianceassociationNoneMount Rushmore National MemorialBlack HillsSouth DakotaUSANonevegetation classificationStandardized National Vegetation Classification Systemalliancecommunity associationPlant CommunitiesKingdomPlantaeplantsNoneAny person using the information presented here should fully understand the data collection and compilation procedures, as described in these metadata, before beginning analysis. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user. For purposes of publication or dissemination, citations should be given to the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service.USGS BRD Center for Biological InformaticsUSGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinatormailing and physical addressDenver Federal Center, Building 810, MS 302DenverColorado80225(303) 202-4220303-202-4219gs-b-npsveg@usgs.govhttp://www1.usgs.gov/vip/moru/moruaa.pdf350 kbyte file showing vegetation associations and location of accuracy assessment pointsPDFUNIX-ARC\INFOThe attributes for the accuracy assessment were recorded in the field in July and August, 1996. Vegetation associations were identified based on thefield key and plant identification. If additional communities were found within a 50 meter radius of the plot center, they were recorded as well. During the analysis, it was concluded that some attributes were in error and changed to match the mapped attributes. This was done by examination of the aerial photographs under stereoscopic view. The attributes were in error due to 1) spatial error in the GPS derived coordinates (4-8 meters), 2) change of vegetation community due to temporal changes, or mis-identification of the community on the ground.All attributes are codes that correspond to vegetation communities and have been checked for typographical and logical errors.All points were collected and analyzed.The points were located using a military-style GPS receiver (PLGR), which has a published accuracy of 4-8 meters.Not applicableFieldNoneAccuracy AssessmentTo assess the thematic accuracy of the vegetation map we conducted an accuracy assessment that allows the user of the digital information an additional perspective upon the data. The final product attempts to achieve the 80% per class accuracy required for this product. Not all mapping units were tested for accuracy. Since the final map contains two separate classification systems, only the mapped areas that fall under the NVCS were included in the accuracy assessment. Areas such as agricultural and undescribed vegetation units and other areas classified using Anderson Level II classification were eliminated from the sample process. Besides excluding the Anderson classified polygons we also Excluded vegetation polygons visited and sampled during either the vegetation description or verification phase that were small enough to confidently say were entirely correct. These were typically riparian polygons in Hell Canyon. These small polygons were eliminated from a site visit in the random selection process but were included in the final accuracy assessment matrix. The remaining areas for sampling were then stratified and sampled according to the number of polygons in each class and the area occupied by each class. Field Procedure: The field crew consisted of two botanists that were Not involved in any part of the previous work on the park. This crew either worked together or separately depending upon local conditions. Both botanists were supplied with a list of points to visit, a field key for map class identification, field data forms, and a GPS to navigate to each site forms. Both crew members worked "blind', meaning that neither one was aware of the existing mapped class designations. Upon arriving at each site, the crews scanned a wide area around the immediate location and observed any local variation in the plant associations. Using the key, the crew then assigned a plant association to the accuracy point. In cases where the variation was significant the crew made a "best fit" judgment to the class name. In addition, other associations in the area and those that might be confused with other plant associations were also noted on each field form. Site Selection: The stratified random selection of accuracy assessment sites was done on the original map classes. The x and y coordinates of each accuracy point were derived from the original vegetation coverage. The coverage was gridded into 50 x 50 meter cells using ArcGrid. A 50-meter grid was chosen because it approximates the minimum mapping unit (MMU) for the project. Using a random number generator, we then re-selected the appropriate number of grids/samples from each class and put them into a separate grid. Additional points were selected for each class over the required number to allow the field crew some latitude in case some sites were inaccessible. The reselected cells where then converted into a point coverage. The x and y coordinate for each point was then transferred to an ascii file. This coordinate file was then used by the field team along with a GPS PLGR unit to locate the position in the field. The point coverage with the accuracy locations and the assigned map unit code are included as a digital coverage. Data Analysis: Due to the inherent heterogeneity of many natural systems, many of the map class determinations to be incorrect. However, when considered in the larger context were correct. To address this issue we attempted to include a 'fuzzy' protocol in analyzing the field accuracy data. For example, when the field crew visited a site they noted not only the appropriate vegetation association designation for the immediate area but also other associations present. When field codes where then compared with the mapped class the point was designated correct if it agreed with any of the associations noted on the field form.USGS-Biological Resouces DivisionU.S. National Park ServiceDepartment of the Interior199411Accuracy Assessment Procedures, NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping ProgramdocumentDenver, COUSGS, Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological InformaticsPrepared by: Environmental Systems Research Institute; Redlands, CA and National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA and The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA under contract from U.S. Department of the Interior Biological Resources Division and National Park Service.electronic document199411Presentpublication dateAccuracy Assessment Procedures DocumentThis document established the procedures and protocols for the accuracy assessment at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.U.S. Geological SurveyDepartment of the Interior199809Mount Rushmore National Memorial Spatial Vegetation Data: Cover type / Association level of the National Vegetation Classification SystemdocumentUSGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping ProgramMount Rushmore National MemorialDenver, COUSGS, Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological InformaticsCreated in large part by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. Redlands, CA under contract rom USGS/BRD/CBI.Disc19950725ground conditionSpatial data of vegetation
communities for Mount Rushmore National Memorial.The vegetation spatial data were tested for accuracy with the AA data.The accuracy assessment field work was performed in July, 1995 to verify the accuracy of the vegetation communities spatial data developed by the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The data points were randomly distributed stratified according to vegetation association over the project area according to protocols developed by the Program. Points were located by GPS navigation and the community information was collected at the point, without knowledge of the attributes of the vegetation spatial data.Spatial data of vegetation communities for Mount Rushmore National Memorial.Accuracy Assessment Procedure Document199507Mount Rushmore National Memorial is in Pennington County and is part of the south eastern Black Hills. The memorial shares its southwest boundary with the Norbeck Wilderness Preserve. All other boundaries are shared with the Black Hills National Forest.PointEntity point102Universal Transverse Mercator130.999600-105.0000000.000000500000.0000000.000000Coordinate Pair11MetersNorth American Datum of 1983Geodetic Reference System 806378137.000000298.257222moruaaShapefile attribute tableUSGSFIDInternal feature number.ESRISequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.ShapeFeature geometry.ESRI.Coordinates defining the features.AREAArea of feature in internal units squared.ESRI.Area is always zero for point coverages. Values are automatically generated.PERIMETERPerimeter of feature in internal units.ESRI.Perimeter is always zero for point coverages. Values are automatically generated.AA_Internal feature number.ESRI.Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.AA_IDUser-defined feature number.ESRI.Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.VEG_CODEVegetation code of accuracy assessment.USGSVegetation code.MAP_UNITMap class polygon code of accuracy assessment.USGSMap class code.POLYGONIDUnknown field created by originator but not documented.USGSNumerical.SCALEUnknown field created by originator but not documented.USGSNumerical.ANGLEUnknown field created by originator but not documented.USGSNumerical.X_EASTINGEasting coordinate of site location.USGSEasting coordinate.Y_NORTHINGNorthing coordinate of site location.USGSNorthing coordinate.The system is organized hierarchically to support conservation and resource stewardship applications across multiple scales. The upper levels of the hierarchy are based on the physical form or structure of the vegetation (physiognomy) and have been refined from the international standards developed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The two most detailed levels of the hierearchy are based on the species composition of the existing vegetation (floristics) and reflect the phyto-sociological standards that were originally developed by European ecologists. The vegetation classification is continually advanced through the collection and analysis of new field data and will be greatly strengthened during the course of the NBS/NPS mapping efforts. National Park Service/Biological Resources Division Vegetation Inventory and Mapping Program for Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, Final Community Association Classification, May 1, 1998.
Alliance/Community
HB=Bur Oak / Ironwood Forest
PB=Ponderosa Pine Bur Oak Woodland
PH=Paper Birch / Beaked Hazel Forst
PJ=Ponderosa Pine / Common Juniper Woodland
PL=Ponderosa Pine / Little Bluestem Woodland
PR=Ponderosa Pine / Rough Leafed Rice Grass Woodland
PW=Ponderosa Pine / Bearberry Woodland
SS=Stram Side Shrubland
WM=Wooly Sedge / Blue Joint Herbaceous Vegetation (Wet Meadow).Grossman, D. Et al. 1994. National Park Service / National Biological Service Vegetation Mapping Project, National Vegetation Classification System 209 pp.USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and SynthesisUSGS-NPS Vegetation Characterization Program Coordinatormailing and physical addressDenver Federal Center, Building 810, MS 302DenverColorado80225(303) 202-4220303-202-4219gs-b-npsveg@usgs.govDownloadable DataThe U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (if available) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such.
The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. Any related graphics (if available) are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not approriate to use the related graphics as data.
The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service servers and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on another system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this metadata report does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U. S. Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey and National Park Service.HTMLhttp://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/vip/parks/moru.htmlInternet AccessNone2001102220100603USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and SynthesisUSGS-NPS Vegetation Characterization Program Coordinatormailing and physical addressDenver Federal Center, Building 810, MS 302DenverColorado80225(303) 202-4220303-202-4219gs-b-npsveg@usgs.govFGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial MetadataFGDC-STD-001.1-1999http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/metadata/index.html